Former Astros in 2009 playoffs

October 9, 2009 12:00 AM

Photo: Jack Dempsey/AP

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Bobby Abreu, Angels

Then: Product of Astros' Venezuelan development efforts saw limited action in 1996 and 1997 before Devil Rays plucked him in expansion draft and traded him to Philadelphia.
Now: Regular right fielder for the Angels, still one of the top on-base performers in baseball. Abreu had a run in the Angels 5-0 victory in Game 1. less

Bobby Abreu, Angels

Then: Product of Astros' Venezuelan development efforts saw limited action in 1996 and 1997 before Devil Rays plucked him in expansion draft and traded him to Philadelphia.
Now: Regular ... more

Then: The Astros' all-time leader in games caught in two stints (1997-98 and 2001-08)
Now: Thriving offensively, by his standards, in very limited playing time, hitting .295 with a .712 OPS in 36 games. less

Brad Ausmus, Dodgers

Then: The Astros' all-time leader in games caught in two stints (1997-98 and 2001-08)
Now: Thriving offensively, by his standards, in very limited playing time, hitting .295 with a .712 OPS ... more

Then: One of the dominant closers in baseball but faded late in his Astros career, which lasted from 2002-2007.
Now: A scary prospect for Phillies fans after his worst season, which comes a year after going 50-for-50 in saves including the postseason. less

Brad Lidge, Phillies

Then: One of the dominant closers in baseball but faded late in his Astros career, which lasted from 2002-2007.
Now: A scary prospect for Phillies fans after his worst season, which comes a ... more

Then: Mostly a starting shortstop at the dawn of the Minute Maid Park era (2000-2003).Now: Shook off a poor stint in Boston to make a nice recovery with the Cardinals, who acquired him mid-season. less

Julio Lugo, Cardinals

Then: Mostly a starting shortstop at the dawn of the Minute Maid Park era (2000-2003).
Now: Shook off a poor stint in Boston to make a nice recovery with the Cardinals, who acquired him ... more

Then: All-purpose reliever in his first stint (1998-99) and more of a lefty specialist in his second (2006-07).
Now: Coming off a fantastic year (2.06 ERA, 31 hits, 10 walks in 43.2 innings) as a specialist for the Cardinals. less

Trever Miller, Cardinals

Then: All-purpose reliever in his first stint (1998-99) and more of a lefty specialist in his second (2006-07).
Now: Coming off a fantastic year (2.06 ERA, 31 hits, 10 walks in 43.2 ... more

Then: Suffered through an injury-hampered 2004 season but returned strong for the World Series run in 2005 and then 2006.
Now: Starting Game 3 for the Yankees, the team he's played for most of his career. less

Andy Pettitte, Yankees

Then: Suffered through an injury-hampered 2004 season but returned strong for the World Series run in 2005 and then 2006.
Now: Starting Game 3 for the Yankees, the team he's played for ... more

Then: Instrumental in the Astros' late charge in 2008, which ultimately fell short, going 6-2 with a 3.57 ERA.
Now: Started Game 1 for the victorious Dodgers Wednesday night, getting a no-decision and striking out two. less

Randy Wolf, Dodgers

Then: Instrumental in the Astros' late charge in 2008, which ultimately fell short, going 6-2 with a 3.57 ERA.
Now: Started Game 1 for the victorious Dodgers Wednesday night, getting a ... more